As Christmas adverts go, it doesn’t get more poignant than this one from Sainsbury’s.

Unveiled during Coronation Street on Wednesday night, it marks the 100th anniversary of World War I by featuring an account of the 1914 Christmas truce when British and German soldiers laid down their arms and played a game of football in No Man’s Land.

Sainsbury’s, who worked with The Royal British Legion on the advert, say they have tried to make the portrayal of the truce as accurate as possible, basing it on original reports and letters, as well as working with historians throughout the development and production process.

In the ad, the story is told from the perspective of a young British soldier who dares to venture from his trench onto No Man’s Land to greet his rivals and come together in a football game.

He shares a moment of friendship with a young German soldier and, as the truce ends and they return to their trenches, the German soldier is moved to discover that his British friend has hidden a chocolate bar in his pocket as a gift.

Charles Byrne, director of fundraising for The Royal British Legion, said: “We’re very proud of our 20 year partnership with Sainsbury’s and this campaign is particularly important.

“One hundred years on from the 1914 Christmas truce, the campaign remembers the fallen, while helping to raise vital funds to support the future of living.”

Mark Given, head of brand communications for Sainsbury’s, said: “Christmas is a special time of year when people come together to share simple moments and kindnesses.

"This year, we wanted to reflect that theme of sharing in our Christmas campaign through the lens of one of the most extraordinary moments of sharing in modern history, when on Christmas Day 1914, British and German soldiers laid down their arms, and came together on neutral territory to share stories, mementoes and even a game of football.

“The Christmas truce is an emotive and cherished story in our history that is especially poignant in this First World War centenary year. That’s why we have worked together closely with the Legion to ensure we bring this moment to life with authenticity and respect.”